Topic result for omicron

According to INSACOG data, a total of 349 samples of Omicron sub-variant XBB1.16 have been detected in genome sequencing.

BQ.1.1 remains the second most prevalent strain at 12.1 per cent.

A 21-year-old youth has been traced in Jaipur who has reportedly tested positive for Omicron sub-variant XBB 1.5, which experts say is more contagious than the previous strains of the virus.

The XBB variant has been driving up cases in parts of Asia, drawing concerns for its high infectiousness.

The CM is likely to advise all the Collectors, district Chief Medical Officers and heads of healthcare institutions to strengthen surveillance and increase genome sequencing for Omicron management.

Odisha Health and Family Welfare Director Dr Bijay Panigrahi informed that vaccination has stopped in the State since November 28 and said the Centre will be requested to supply doses of vaccines.  

Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, apparently the strain driving China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far, including one in Odisha, forcing the State to make robust arrangements for genome sequencing to detect the subvariant.

A case of Omicron BF.7 Covid sub-variant was detected in Odisha, in a single sample tested on September 30, state Health Department officials said on Wednesday.

Omicron subvariant BF.7 detected in Odisha. First case of BF.7 in Odisha. Is among first three cases in India. BF.7 highly transmissible Omicron strain. BF.7 sub-lineage of Omicron variant BA.5. BF.7 has strongest infection ability. Can cause re-infection even in vaccinated. Subvariant BF.7 exploding cases in China.

The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. So far, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha

The latest reported Covid-19 deaths in the capital were the first official fatalities since the government abandoned its stringent anti-virus controls earlier this month following widespread protests against the zero-Covid policy.

This is because the new variant quickly bypasses the immunity that a person has developed through a natural infection with an earlier variant or even if the complete course of the vaccines are taken, he added.

"Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variant in India. BA.2 and its descendent lineages, in particular, BA.2.75 has been mostly found over the last week in different parts of India," the INSACOG said

Swaminathan said they are also tracking derivatives of BA.5 and BA.1, which are also more transmissible and immune-evasive.

The Spokesperson told Xinhua that BA.4 and BA.5 continued to be the most dominant sub-variants in South Africa but they were less severe due to higher levels of immunity. The department called on the people not to panic.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that only 44 per cent of participants with newly positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies had awareness of being infected with the virus. The majority (56 per cent) were unaware of any recent Covid-19 infection.

According to a new study, the latest Omicron sub-variants -- including the BA.4 and BA.5 which are causing new global surges in infections -- are even better at eluding vaccines and most antibody treatments than previous variants. Sub-variants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are rapidly expanding worldwide, with BA.4/5 now making up more than 50 per cent of new Covid cases in the US.

On COVID-19, globally reported cases have increased nearly 30 per cent over the past two weeks. Four out of six of the WHO sub-regions saw cases increase in the last week, Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing Wednesday.

Subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are rapidly expanding worldwide, with BA.4/5 now making up more than 50 per cent of new Covid cases in the US.

According to the the ICMR study, administering of Covaxin booster dose will enhance the vaccine effectiveness against the Delta variant infection and give protection against the Omicron variants BA.1.1 and BA.2.